Director of Communications

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Communications will oversee the strategic direction of RiseBoro’s brand, messaging, and public relations efforts. This role will develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies across multiple platforms, ensuring alignment with RiseBoro’s mission and goals. The Director will manage a team responsible for internal communications, external media relations, public affairs, and marketing initiatives, strengthening RiseBoro’s visibility and engagement.

This role requires expertise in public relations, stakeholder engagement, digital marketing, content creation, and crisis communications. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with experience working in nonprofit, government, or mission-driven organizations and a passion for social impact.

Bilingual fluency, particularly in Spanish, and familiarity with Latin media are strong pluses, given the communities we serve. This position also will manage an internal team of marketing and communications professionals and manage the external, PR consultant.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications and Brand Positioning:

• • Develop and implement a comprehensive external communications strategy that supports RiseBoro’s goals and enhances its visibility.
  • Position RiseBoro as a leader in affordable housing, community development, healthcare, and advocacy sectors.
  • Ensure all communications align with organizational goals, brand identity, and core messaging.

Media and Public Relations:

• • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, managing all media relations and public appearances.
  • Develop relationships with journalists, media outlets, influencers, and key industry stakeholders.
  • Lead the creation of press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and editorial content to secure consistent media coverage.
  • Identify opportunities for RiseBoro’s leadership to be featured in news articles, interviews, and speaking engagements.
  • Develop and execute crisis communication strategies, including preparing statements and managing external communications during emergencies or sensitive situations.

Marketing and Digital Strategy

• • Oversee RiseBoro’s marketing team and direct brand messaging, digital campaigns, and advertising strategies.
  • Lead content strategy for social media, email marketing, website, and digital storytelling.
  • Oversee development of marketing materials, impact reports, and promotional campaigns to engage donors, residents, and partners.
  • Utilize SEO, analytics, and digital marketing tools to optimize engagement and reach.

Stakeholder Engagement and Community Relations:

• • Craft messaging for key external audiences, including funders, policymakers, elected officials, city agencies, and community members.
  • Oversee the development of external communications materials including speeches, presentations, annual reports, newsletters, and impact stories.
  • Develop advocacy communications in collaboration with policy and government affairs teams.
  • Strengthen RiseBoro’s presence at public events, conferences, and industry forums.
  • Work closely with RiseBoro leadership to enhance communication with external partners and funders.

Internal Communications and Employee Engagement

• • Develop internal communications strategies to strengthen employee engagement, transparency, and alignment with RiseBoro’s mission.
  • Oversee staff newsletters, intranet content, and leadership communications to ensure consistent messaging across departments.
  • Support HR and leadership in shaping a strong organizational culture through storytelling and internal engagement initiatives.

Collaboration:

• • Partner with internal teams to ensure alignment on messaging, while maintaining a distinct focus on external, media, and public relations efforts.
  • Work closely with program directors and leadership to highlight success stories, program outcomes, and the impact of RiseBoro's work.
  • Collaborate with external consultants to align messaging and external distribution

COMPETENCIES

• Proven success in managing media relations and external communications for a nonprofit, government, political or similar organization.
• Strong understanding of public relations, media engagement, and crisis communication.
• Bilingual fluency (Spanish/English) and familiarity with Latin media strongly preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience in public speaking and media appearances.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans while managing multiple priorities.
• Passion for community development, social justice, and affordable housing.

EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in communications, with a focus on external or public relations.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)/Affirmative Action Policy Statement

It is the policy of RiseBoro to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. No individual will be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, political or union affiliation, marital or partnership status, sex, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity, familial status, genetic information or predisposition or characteristic, disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, status as a veteran or member of the U.S. military and related obligations, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, job placement, compensation, benefits, training and apprenticeship, employee development, promotion, demotion, discipline, transfer, lay-off and recall, and termination. RiseBoro makes reasonable accommodations based on religion and/or disability as required by law, and requests for accommodation are to be directed to the Human Resources Department.